Spring Capsule Wardrobe 2017

It’s Capsule Time!!!

It’s been 6 months since I last had a major change in my wardrobe and I can’t tell you how good it feels to be starting a new capsule wardrobe. Whilst a half year wardrobe worked well for the Scottish autumn/winter season it is definitely time for a change. It could be a spring thing up I’m feeling very inspired right now. I’ve been busy pinning outfit ideas and spring capsule inspiration (make sure you’re following me on Pinterest) and thoroughly enjoyed putting together this spring capsule wardrobe.

A Fresh Approach

Spring is a time for change, and I wanted to try out a more relaxed approach to my capsule wardrobe this season. I want to keep the minimalist, intentional aspects of capsule wardrobes but get rid of all the rules. Whilst having strict rules helps to focus the start of your capsule wardrobe journey (read about how capsule wardrobes are the ultimate shopaholic detox) there comes a time when you need to relax a little. It’s like dieting, you can’t stay on a strict diet for your whole life. At some point, you have to trust yourself to eat a slice of cake and not the whole cake. I feel like I’m at that stage with my wardrobe now.

So instead of having lots of strict rules about the number of pieces, I’m allowed and shopping bans I’m just creating a wardrobe which works for me. I wasn’t thinking about the total number when putting this wardrobe together instead I was thinking about what I need in my wardrobe. Funnily enough, this approach has resulted in my smallest capsule wardrobe yet. So there may be something to this technique.

I’m also lifting the spending ban. I know I can trust myself not to go on any crazy shopping sprees. But I want to be able to buy things I love when I see them. I have just accepted a new job which means my lifestyle will be changing in the next few weeks. I want to be able to buy clothes for my new job without being restricted by rules. I will be focusing on buying quality clothes I know I’ll wear again and again preferably from responsible brands (read my wardrobe mission). My plan is to create a workwear edit separately from this capsule wardrobe. The two wardrobes will sit together and of course, there will be some crossover. But I want to have two separate wardrobes just now to help with planning. I think my workwear edit will be around 10/15 pieces. This will keep my total number of pieces under 50 which to me still makes it a minimal wardrobe.

The New Guidelines

This current capsule wardrobe doesn’t have any strict rules but I wanted to have a few guidelines to keep me focused when planning it.

It’s not about the total number. Instead, it’s about creating a wardrobe which works for my lifestyle

Shopping is allowed. I can add pieces to my wardrobe throughout the season and as my lifestyle starts to change I can shop for that purpose. I trust myself not to buy too much and will aim to keep my wardrobe very minimal. If I do find my wardrobe starting to feel too large I will reinforce the shopping ban.

Out of season clothes will be stored away but can be worn if needed. If we do get a cold snap it’s OK to wear a cosy knit or grab my winter coat.

My Spring Capsule Wardrobe

The Tops

I have 15 tops in total which feels like plenty right now. I think it’s a good mix of casual tees and blouses which can be dressed up a little more. As already said if we do get a cold blast I’ll pull a cosy knit out of storage or layer up what I have out.

The Bottoms

I’ve gone for all jeans as bottoms this time. If I’m honest I tend to wear my jeans every day anyway so why not just embrace it. I do have a few dresses if I want an alternative. But I know I’m a jeans and a tee girl so why try to force change. I will also be including a couple of tailored trousers in the workwear edit so these will be available if needed.

The Dresses

I think this may be the most dresses I’ve ever included in a capsule wardrobe. All of these can easily be dressed up or down. I’m looking forward to getting some warmer days so I can throw on a dress and go.

Outerwear

I’ve decided to include a couple of outerwear options in my spring capsule wardrobe. Normally I don’t include jackets and coats as we need quite a few options here in Scotland. I haven’t included my waterproof coat I wear to walk the dog as I wouldn’t wear this for anything else. And obviously if its cold I’ll grab my parka. But these two should do for most spring days.

Shoes

I have 9 pairs of shoes in total which does feel like a lot for such a small wardrobe. But I felt like having more shoe options would help the wardrobe feel bigger. After all, an outfit looks completely different paired with boots than it does with sandals. I feel like I have enough options here to cover most weather types. Like with outerwear I have a pair of wellies for walking the dog if needed. I also have a few pairs of high heels which I keep separate for special occasions.Black Suede Boots – Ash (similar)

14 Comments

Stephanie

April 5, 2017 / 6:55 pm

Love the stripes and denim but you have a lot of neutral colours, would love to see a pop of red or coral for Spring! Definitely inspiring me to change over my wardrobe now. Weather in Ireland, like Scotland, can still be a bit chilly so hard to give up boots and woolies just yet!

I have the same white shirt dress from People Tree. I’m curious how you style it. I just can’t seem to make it work (too much fabric? The pockets don’t lay right?) This summer I’ll be working from a ‘whatever fits in a suitcase’ wardrobe for about 6-8 weeks while our household goods are in transit from London to Seattle. It’ll be the ultimate challenge for me, but I’m really looking forward to it.

Hi there, thanks so much for sharing your capsule wardrobe. It feels very ‘real’ and certainly practical enough for a UK spring, which can switch from sunny to chilly and back again quite suddenly. Your neutral palette is very chic and allows for numerous options. I hope you enjoy wearing all of your lovely pieces 🙂

Our capsule wardrobes are pretty similar in terms of colour and pieces! It’s so difficult with outerwear in the UK because it can be sunny one day and freezing the next. Like you, I’ve gone with a couple of pairs of ankle boots! Blush pink is such a great colour for spring this year!

Hi! I’m so happy to have found you! I love capsule wardrobes, but it seems most other bloggers live in the dessert or something, which makes it hard to Find someone with similar taste, that also lives in a fluctuating climate, where sunny days are less frequent than rainy/cloudy ones, as ours is (I’m from Belgium).

Really informative piece Jen, and some fab choices! I’m a bit like you, living in the countryside, I tend to opt for more relaxed casual clothing..and having pain, I need to be comfy too. We def have similar style taste and I don’t do high heels either. Such a good idea to buy pieces that work well together, andI need to get some more bits that work, when I can afford. Love your choices!
H x

I’m so sorry for the redundancy of my question, but I have to ask. What program do you use to make the lovely infographic of your wardrobe?? I’ve been trying to figure out how to make one for months but never with satisfactory results, and the internet doesn’t seem to give me the answers I want either. I’m evidently using the wrong key search words!

Of course, I don’t mind you asking. I use Photoshop to create my graphics. Probably not what you wanted to hear but any photo editing program which allows you to cut and paste should work too. Canva might be worth a try.